World Eaters of the Great Crusade: Here comes a New Challenger..

[malika666]

Hmm, regarding the more exotic gladiator like unit, take a look at the Rampagers.

 

Another nice touch to perhaps add is a slightly higher number of Apothecaries, I would imagine the World Eaters would use these a lot, considering the heavy losses and increase the speed of recruitment and implantation.

[Hrvat]

Kovac and Balaban 

 

Can we expect brothers Soldo and Yarni as well? 

[Pacific81]

I take it you have picked up on the naming convention Hrvat? :)

I guess this is as good a time as any to try and explain!

I've tried to source some old Teutonic and Slavic (Hungarian/Czech) names in for all of the World Eaters background bits and pieces I've written over the years. I think it suits a little better than the Latin-esque style thats used for some of the other Legions (which I don't think fits the WE). And the official naming in BL is quite mixed/confused.

 

I love the idea of the WE being recruited from worlds of medieval warriors fighting in snow-filled forests - with the greatest of their young being taken by the 'sky warriors' every season. Or that those warriors in the War Hounds came from the warring warriors of central Europe. There is still a lot of room for imagination there because we still don't know for sure.

 

The downside is that for anyone from Hungary, Czech etc. they read the names as 'Smith', 'Jones' equivalent in English etc - which is pretty uninspired - so sorry for that! :)

Edited April 21, 2019 by Pacific81

[malika666]

Try to not just copy those names, but alter them a bit. Maybe even switch the languages, so apply Czech rules for the Hungarian names and vice versa.

 

Also, considering the WE recruit from multiple worlds, I'd imagine the naming conventions would be pretty diverse. Also keep in mind that even on earth today we have hundreds, if not thousands of languages. Now apply that over multiple worlds, many of them isolated for centuries upon centuries.

[Pacific81]

Legion Assault Cohort

 

The rapid acquisition of territory, of the destruction of key communications and command & control centres, so that the enemy is unable to react to further troop movements, was key to the effectiveness of the armies of the Great Crusade, no less the World Eaters who were well practiced in it's application. 

This form of warfare, of targeted and overwhelming assault, was employed to great effect upon the Greenskins of Zeta-five-zero (the first world encountered by the Expedition) by Assault Cohorts of the Twelfth legion. Deployed from low orbital insertions, sometimes directly from the holds of Thunderhawk and Stormbird aircraft, the Legionnaires used jump packs to propel themselves downwards, where they met the startled orkoid defenders with chainblades, pistols and flamer weapons. 

 

 

In the Game

 

As with the Tactical Cohorts, Assault Detachments are made up of many more marines than their 40k brethren - 40 marines in total. The main bonus they receive is their movement, double that of a Tactical Detachment at 30cm. They can also deploy from drop pods, dreadclaws, thunderhawk gunships or Stormbirds, allowing them to get stuck in directly. 

 

 

Stats wise, the more observant will have noticed that their close-combat capacity is slightly better than normal Tactical marines, however they are slightly worse when involved in a firefight.

 

 

The Miniatures

 

Once again these miniatures are from the Vanguard miniature range - they have options for both jetpack-equipped assault troops, such as these pictured, or foot assault troops (if you want to represent an earlier stage in the Great Crusade, where Jetpacks were less prevalent). https://vanguardminiatures.co.uk/

They are lead by a Centurion (command squad) which will add to the combat effectiveness of the unit. 

 

The Thunderhawk is an old GW miniature - although I'm not entirely satisfied with it, there are some much larger-scale miniatures from 3rd party producers - where you could realistically imagine 40 marines in the hold! I might use this one for a planned airfield terrain piece & diorama (can imagine it being used as a small officer/fleet control aircraft etc.) 

 

Any C&C greatly appreciated! A lot more to come soon

 

Edited April 23, 2019 by Pacific81

[battle captain corpus]

@Pacific81: how am I just seeing this thread for the first time?!?!?! By the power of the dark gods I love it! Solid HH action brother!

 

BCC

[malika666]

Come on...you know you want to get the Eagle Dropship for your Novan Elites! ;)

 

By the way...since these guys are mainly fighting in Ork space, how about making the terrain and bases for your models match that narrative?

[The_son_of_Dorn]

World eaters actually acting like space marines.

 

You have peaked my interest good sir.

[Pacific81]

Miniature Gallery - the inhabitants of Zeta-five-zero 

A collection of miniatures that have been completed, encountered by the World Eater forces of the 3001st  Expedition. 

 

'Lungbursta' Gunwagons of the Goff tribe. 

Miniatures: GW metal Ork Lungburstas, classic range

 

 

 

 

 

Battlewagons of the Goff tribe. 

Miniatures: GW plastic Ork Battlewagons, classic range

 

 

 

 

 

Battlefortress of the Goff tribe. 

Miniatures: GW metal Giblet Grinder, classic range

 

 

Size comparison of Battlefortress, Gunwagon and Rhino. 

 

 

 

 

Ork Warband, Goff tribe. 

Miniatures: Boyz from Vanguard Miniatures 'Skinners' range, Ork Nobz and Battlewagons from GW classic range. 

 

 

 

 

Many thanks for the comments guys! Hopefully a lot more coming

 

Come on...you know you want to get the Eagle Dropship for your Novan Elites!

By the way...since these guys are mainly fighting in Ork space, how about making the terrain and bases for your models match that narrative?

 

It's a great idea! I've got some diorama, basing and terrain ideas - and thinking how I can do something a bit different with the Great-Crusade subject material - please watch this space!

Edited April 27, 2019 by Pacific81

[Pacific81]

++Excerpt: Blood Angel Recon taskforce 49th Company. Planetary Bridgehead -76 hours. Co-ords: 41.490101, -71.312828. Broadband distress priority Alpha++ 

 

"This is Recon unit Theta, requesting immediate extraction. Pulsing co-ordinates."

*crackling static*

"This is 12th Legion escort vessel Strogiy receiving. Thunderhawk inbound, ETA 6 minutes. What is your status Blood Angel?"

*explosive thump heard in background. *

"We've come under artillery fire.. "

*sound of bolter firing*

"Our vehicle inactive. Three brothers have fallen."

*sound of projectile weapons ricocheting from ceremite*

"Foot troops moving in from the tree line now. There are too many."

*sound of bolter fire intensifies*

"Marines of the 12th.. please return our fallen to the Legion."

*crackling static*

"Understood, Blood Angel."

"Die well."

 

++Note from log of the Strogiy and recovering 12th Legion ground crew. It is thought the Recon unit's vehicle had suffered a catastrophic engine failure, shortly afterwards the unit had come under heavy artillery fire. An approaching Thunderhawk gunship cleared the attacking forces and was able to recover the fallen Blood Angels before destroying the incapacitated Rhino. One Astartes, Brother Leonis of the 49th, was not found. Status unknown.+++

 

 

http://images.dakkadakka.com/gallery/2013/2/21/465932_md-6mm%2C%20Blood%20Angels%2C%20Epic%2C%20Objective%20Marker%2C%20Space%20Marines.jpg

 

The Miniatures

 

Some old 1st/2nd edition Epic marines and a Rhino that I had going spare. This is was just to make a diorama that can be used as an objective marker in games. 

 

[Pacific81]

Project Update & Interlude

 

A brief pause to go over the project progress so far and future plans!

 

- I'm now up to about 4000pts for the World Eaters and about half of that for the Orks (you need to paint a lot more of those!), certainly a playable level. Complete forces so far photo soon! But a battle report won't be possible until I have terrain, which leads me on to.. 

- Rather than having the usual Ork invasion on an Imperial Hive World, I thought it would be fun to turn that around. This is the Great Crusade and the Empire of Man is expanding! So I've ordered a bunch of 'ork' type buildings and terrain and am retro-fitting a WW2 Northern France terrain set (bear with me here.. !) I'm trying to build an Ork force to represent what might be found on their own worlds, in addition to the classic Ork clans. 

- Planning a campaign to play through with a friend - Legion invasion of an ork world, with maps and linked campaign games. Imagine World Eater spearhead to destroy an Orkoid industrial zone & port etc.

- Big Stuff (titans, super heavies, gargants etc.), really the area where Epic comes into its own, are on the way. Am building my self up to building & painting those, as a reward for completing big blocks of infantry!

 

(A quick miniature pic - a size comparison of vehicles - so its not all words!)

 

A bit further over the horizon.. 

- What after Orks? I love some of the background to the Crusade and the descriptions of some of the alien races encountered (which only exist as a line of text in the books) - have found some really cool stuff hidden away in the darker corners of the hobby world. Will keep this as a surprise for now!

- A few other classics for the greybeards on the forum to appreciate - again what this space!

- Definitely some Battlefleet Gothic - I don't want to lose steam with the 6mm building & painting at the moment but those will come at some point. 

- Some more background material - full of inaccuracies and with continuity errors I'm sure !

 

In the meantime - if anyone would like to see anything from this blog (as I know there aren't too many Great Crusade or Epic projects about) please let me know! 

 

As always any C&C appreciated!

 

[apologist]

The ambition and execution of this project is great to see – as are the lovely miniatures! Epic's a great way to show the sheer size and scale of warfare in this period.

 

One thing I'd love to see is some nice old-school battle reports; written out and illustrated with photos. 

[Marshal Rohr]

The Lungbursta is my all time favorite ork tank. I'm trying to get my hands on the old white dwarf that had templates to make one in 40k scale. 

[Pacific81]

Many thanks for the comments chaps - really appreciated!

 

Will try and keep the momentum up with the blog, have to say am really enjoying getting back into 6mm again properly. I feel like I have made contact again with an old friend, and it's great having the opportunity to combine it with the 30k setting, which obviously wasn't a thing back in the early 90s. 

 

One thing I'd love to see is some nice old-school battle reports; written out and illustrated with photos. 

 

That is definitely the plan! Will hopefully do some very basic Paint-type displays of maps etc. showing troop movements. 

 

If anyone knows of a good (but basic) art tool that can do something like this, would be very grateful!

 

 

Just one mini-pic today - a couple of Lungburstas again, some Tin-botz (which will be part of a Goff Stompa mob) and a sample test for some Bad Moon boyz - the miniatures are Vanguard, with little hats green-stuffed on. 

[Pacific81]

Legion Skyblade Assault craft

 

The exact origins of the Skyblade are unknown and what few examples that existed within the armouries of the Legions were lost during the Horus Heresy. It is thought that the craft were first discovered by the War Hounds during the compliance of the Monkondis Technocracy in the early years of the Great Crusade, the  unexplained collective suicide of that entire system meaning that the approaching war fleets were able to acquire great stocks of highly advanced technology without loss of men or materials. 

Although the craft bears some design similarities with the Stormbird, indicating that the craft have evolved from a shared technological heritage (and leading to the Sky moniker being applied), much of the technology contained is thought to be from before the Dark Ages of technology, leading to frenzied interest from the accompanying Mechanicum personnel. The craft's smooth and aquiline aerodynamic profile allows it to travel at great speed within an atmosphere, while powerful fusion reactors in a VTOL-configuration mean that the craft can deploy and then return from planetary orbit. Hyper-advanced arc-throwers (utilising a technology not entirely understood) reverse the molecular polarity of targetted opponents, making a mockery of the thickest armour, before neatly folding back within the airframe and restoring the aircraft's minimal radar profile.

 

 

During the opening weeks of the invasion of Zeta-Five-Zero, the World Eater legion deployed their contingent of Skyblade aircraft on strikes at key infrastructure targets. Pictured here are two of the aircraft carrying out low-level maneuvers over Legion troops, the highly distinctive whine of the aircraft's fusion jets a welcome sound to ground forces, who knew that it would be shortly followed by highly destructive cracks of arc-lightning falling upon enemy positions. As was typical with the martial tradition of Legionnaire air forces, the aircraft pictured have been decorated with motifs and iconography that shows the relationship that they hold with their aircraft. 

 

 

 

Project & Modelling notes

 

Really this was just an opportunity use some imagination and to do something a bit different. I liked the idea of the Stormbird when reading about them in the Horus Heresy novels, about them being from a different age of warfare, their crafted, aerodynamic and aesthetically pleasing appearance a great contrast to the dull, utilitarian flying-bricks such as the Thunderhawk and other later 40k-era derivatives. Looking around at existing 6 and 28mm efforts to represent the Stormbird, I didn't think that any of them really captured the character of what we read about in the books, so I looked about at other things I could use - and found these toys! (Which are from an old range called Mega Force, a die-cast range from the late 80s.) I imagine the craft's weaponry deploying, Robocop gun-style, from within the aircraft chassis, unleashing forbidden weaponry from the lost ages of technology. 

 

The aircraft are in basic Legion colours. I added the old War Hounds legion motif to the aircraft tails - I could imagine the deeply prideful (and somewhat egotistical!) 'Topgun' Astartes that flew these aircraft being deeply protective of their aircraft, and being permitted some idiosyncrasies by the Legion due to their undoubted effectiveness.  Finally, I added some miniatures and a small diorama to the bases, just to add a bit of a character, and also to help tie the vehicle down as being in the 30k setting. 

 

 

 

In the Game

 

Looking through the 'Heresy AU' legions list, I thought the Fire Raptor gunship would best represent the Skyblade - fulfilling a similar role of an extremely powerful assault gunship, carrying out an infantry support role. That stats for the aircraft are listed below:

 

 

 

 

 

That's it for now - as always, any C&C greatly appreciated!

Edited May 12, 2019 by Pacific81

[malika666]

Is that a cow on the tail?

[Pacific81]

.. I couldn't possibly comment 

 

(I do like to put small, fun things on the miniatures sometimes for anyone that looks closely!)

 

 

Miniature Gallery - the inhabitants of Zeta-five-zero 

 

Ork Stompa mob, Goff tribe. 

Miniatures: Plastic Stompas and Tin Bot from GW classic range. 

 

 

 

 

 

Ork Motley Crew

Miniatures: Tin Bot and Lung Bursta tanks from GW classic range. Ork Boyz from Vanguard Skinnerz range, with small conversion to give them hats!

 

 

 

Ork Gunwagons, Goff tribe. 

Miniatures: Plastic Battlewagons (with minor conversion) GW classic range. 

 

[Marshal Rohr]

I wish they'd make Lungbustas and Gunwagons for 40k. I love their look. 

[Pacific81]

 

 

I wish they'd make Lungbustas and Gunwagons for 40k. I love their look. 

 

The great thing about the Epic miniatures that have come out over the years is that there was a wide range of models, and the later ones (I think the previous Adeptus Titanicus boxsets) were plastic and modular - so you can mix and match them. There's also a range of other 3rd party stuff now, meaning you can really mix up and make them look more 'orky' without having to do masses of kit bashing and conversion work. 

 

A quick spoiler (and scale) image of the next blog post coming up - will hopefully have time to write up some background over the weekend. 

 

[Marshal Rohr]

The ingenuity and attention to detail in 30k epic models always warms my heart. Really shows what the community can do to keep a system alive.

[malika666]

I wish they'd make Lungbustas and Gunwagons for 40k. I love their look.

Hmm...perhaps I should do some updated versions for Vanguard Miniatures...

[Pacific81]

Legion Fellblade 'Castigator'

 

 

It was said that the Twelfth legion rarely named its vehicles, even such a prestigious and mighty vehicle as the Fellblade. It was also said that the Sons of Mortarion, the Death Guard Legion, had once had listed within its expedition census a Fellblade also known as 'Castigator', a vehicle that had been within it's possession for several decades and taken part in campaigns listed within the Fourteenth Legion's roll of honour. 

 

Were the vehicles not in fact one in the same, and their identical naming a coincidence? Perhaps, but unlikely. One must assume that had the Twelfth named the vehicle thus, Legion scribes would have carefully considered the rosters of other Legions, especially one in an adjacent sector in which the Death Guard operated.

 

Might the vehicle have been a gift, from one Legion to another? Perhaps, but unlikely. While the Fourteenth and Twelfth were hardly beligerent toward one another, neither were they close in their brotherhood, and the gifting of such a Master of Warfare would most certainly have been heralded throughout the expedition and on official record.

 

So, how then had this behemoth of the battlefield, prized relic of the dark ages of technology, find its way to the World Eaters Legion? It is likely that it will never be known, the documented truth swallowed in the conflagration that would soon swallow both Legions. But one rumour persists, heard in quiet corners of maintenance bays and whispered by the human and mechanicum serfs of the Legion: That the very same Castigator of the Twelfth did indeed once serve with the Fourteenth. And that when involved in conquest the Astartes commanding the mighty Fellblade allowed the unthinkable to happen; the capture of the vehicle by alien xenoforms, while Legionnaires aboard still lived. And that, following this unimaginable event, the vehicle's considerable arms were then turned to wreck havoc on their own brothers.

 

The rumour persists, in whispered tones quieter still, that at great cost the Legionnaires of the World Eaters managed to gain entry to the Castigator and slay the alien boarders within. And, finding the Death Guard crew still bound within, and knowing their great shame, slew them too. That, after taking control of the vehicle, and the completion of the campaign, it was returned to the orbital craft of the World Eaters.

 

But surely, critics of the rumour suggest, would the Fourteenth not have protested the loss of such a valuable vessel of war, and urgently requested its return from the Twelfth? Perhaps, but if the stories of the fate of the Fellblade are indeed true, then those who know of the characters of both Legions know that such an exchange (and with it, the acknowledgement) could never take place. The most stoic and stubborn of  Legions could never countenance the loss of face which would result, even for such a precious vehicle. And the Twelfth, though practitioners of a different method of war, would not besmirch their fellow legion by openly revealing their failure and their shame. 

 

In any case, the Gothic script along the flank of the vehicle still reads Castigator, for those that care to read it. Perhaps a sign of the humour that, whilst only very ocassionally revealed to outsiders, nevertheless lies within the hearts of the most merciless of Legions. Perhaps an acknowledgement to the Death Guard that, whilst undoubtedly sworn to secrecy regarding the origins of the vehicle, the Twelfth Legion is aware of the shame of their brothers, and the name is a reminder of that failing. 

 

It is unlikely that the exact truth, and the myths behind the Castigator, will ever be exposed or known for certain. 

But what is said by the Legion serfs that repair and service the mighty machine, and which does nothing to quell the underlying tales, is that following periods of intense warfare, and when perhaps the Castigator has been blasted by searing heat and it's armour pitted, the white and blue of the World Eater legion peels back. And that revealed beneath, perhaps only visible under certain light and with mottled hue, is the faded ivory and green of the Fourteenth. 

 

 

 

The Miniatures

 

In keeping with the rather mysterious background of this particular Fellblade, I have no idea about where this miniature originates! It was bought from eBay some time ago, and came painted in Death Guard colours (which prompted me to try and come up with the background above). I have been out of the loop at times so it's possible this was an event or Forge World release that I've missed. Although I do think it's more likely that it's a 'fan' sculpt of some kind - I would go on to say very unlikely that it's from the far east, as no-one in their right mind would make a 'new' 6mm scale sculpt with a view to making money, but would be interested if anyone does know!

 

In any case and regardless of its origins, its a lovely sculpt and carries a superb level of detail. 

 

 

 

Any C&C very welcome as always, and hopefully should have some miniatures to show within the next few days. 

 

[Pacific81]

Miniature Gallery - the inhabitants of Zeta-Five-Zero

 

Kult of Speed, Evil Sunz tribe

 

 

 

Miniatures: Classic GW Ork range - Scorchas, gobsmackas, Bowelburnas and a mekboy speedwagon

 

 

 

Miniatures: Skinnerz bikers from Vanguard Miniatures

 

 

[Pacific81]

Legion Rampager Cohort

 

Following the introduction of the 'Butcher's Nails' into the Legion, Rampager squads (also known by the moniker of 'Berserkers') began to populate the Legion. The highly dangerous and invasive psycho-surgery performed on them pushed Astartes already known for their aggression into hitherto un-reached levels of savagery.

Although not yet prevalent in volume amongst the expedition's Astartes contingent, what Rampager Cohorts there were often formed the spearhead of the Twelfth Legion deployments on Zeta-Five-Zero, deploying by Rhino transport or sometimes directly by drop-pod, into the midst of the enemy's strength. Even the Orkoid, a race known for its strength and ferocity, recoiled in the face of such aggression. As the two sides engaged the incessant revving of chain-weapons of the Legion troopers would rise above the bestial howls of their foes, the only certainty that there would be horrendous casualties on both sides. 

 

 

 

In the Game

 

 

Limited for use by the World Eaters, Rampager squads are some of the most effective melee units available to the Great-Crusade legions. Their 3+ close-combat rating combined with extra attack (which is relatively uncommon in EA) means that they will live up to their name in close combat. Furthermore the fearless and berserk special rules make them even more effective - they won't break if they lose a combat or take additional wounds from blast markers, and also they can double-speed engage to get into close combat (like Orks!) As a downside though they can't hold objectives (being berserk) so need a follow-up of another unit if they have managed to win an assault on one. 

As a downside they are expensive in points (at 60pts per squad, they cost more than a standard Assault detachment) and with the standard infantry 15cm move, they will rely on their transports or being dropped in the right place by drop-pod or air transport, so that they can be most effective. 

 

 

 

The Miniatures

 

The Rhinos are the 10-a-penny classic GW plastic miniatures. The 'Rampagers' were originally from 'Steel Crown' miniatures as part of their Exodus Wars range. However, after that company stopped producing they were bought by HLS Models, where they are listed as 'Edenite Jump Infantry' - you can get 50 of them for a very reasonable £4.95. 

https://hlsmodels.com/collections/exodus-wars/steel-crown-productions

In terms of scaling, these are ever so slightly smaller (0.5-1mm) than the Vanguard Legion miniatures which have made up most of the forces, but it's not noticeable even if the miniatures are side-by-side. 

 

By this point the Astartes in the Rampager units had already started adding decorations and motifs to some of their equipment.. 

 

 

Any more C&C greatly appreciated - hope to have some combined army shots and terrain in the next installments. 

 

 

[Brother Styphus]

I like the tramp stamps on the rhinos.